Prime or Central Refrigerated?

Have you looked at Stevens, as well? I've never driven for either of the three companies, so I can't tell you which is best... just that it's another option which is out there. I considered Stevens when I had to bite the bullet and take an OTR gig, but then I got hired by a small fleet owner to pull flatbeds. What they offered seemed halfway decent comparatively, though.

 

You chose about the two best for company CDL training. Prime has a choice of refrigerated, flatbed, tanker. Neither company is bottom of the barrel; make informed decisions about both and don't get involved with a lease purchase until you've been driving a couple of years & then decide. Tanker training would be a good choice for your future, but don't know if Prime has anything in your area for tanker.

 

Central was my first choice. If possible go there. Stevens is OK, but they do not ever forgive your loan to them, plus they think hometime is a four letter word. Having said that Stevens did train me well; if your first two choices dont work out, and you dont mind assuming $5k worth of debt to Stevens, give em a go.

 

Depends of how slow you want to drive? LOL We all pass Prime allll dayyyy longgggg!

 

I went with Central back in 2005 at their Fontana California facility. I feel I got my moneys worth. Did my year and went on to bigger but not necessarily better things....

 

When I was running reefer 48 states, was driving a 68 mph truck. I voluntarily switched to a 62mph truck because it was a much nicer truck inside with a smoother ride. I still made the same money so the loss of 6 mph had no effect on my earnings.

 

That's smart planning on your part to look at the big picture and future. Best wishes to you. Most tanker drivers that eventually go hazmat earn $60K + annually and some many thousands more. I worked 11 months a year and made avg. $65K tanker/hazmat. The other month I was off on vacation in the Orient with my wife and 2 little ones.